We get it, you’re thinking…cucumbers and watermelon together? What could they possibly have in common? Well tea lovers, the answer is: water. Both of these foods are almost entirely comprised of water. Here are the numbers:
- Cucumber: roughly 95% water
- Watermelon: roughly 92% water
Why does this matter? Because the high water content in both is directly responsible for their unique, and some would say, ethereal flavor profiles. Cucumbers are light, crunchy and sweetish. Watermelon is bright, juicy and similarly sweet. Interestingly, these two profiles blend together in a level of harmony you might not expect.
Suffice it to say, when the Master Blender first concocted this refreshing blend, his audience was mightily surprised. The character of cucumbers and melons intertwined with the green grassiness of our base tea in a way we simply could not get enough of.
What’s it like? Close your eyes and imagine you’re standing under a waterfall of pure cascading joy. This one is about as refreshing as it gets.
Tea Origin
This blend uses Sencha-grade green tea originating from the Hunan and Shandgon and Tirana regions in China and Albania, respectfully. The tea is non fermented, traditional steamed method, pan dried and polished. The final tea is small batch blended and packed right here in North America.
Featured Flavors
Cucumber Melon is a vegetarian and vegan-friendly tea with low caffeine yet packs in high levels of antioxidants for an all-around healthy tea option.
The infusion tends towards bright green with yellow overtones. It features plush watermelon with a cucumber finish.
The ingredients are clean and straightforward: green tea, cucumber, cornflower and natural flavors.
How to Prepare Cucumber Melon
The ideal brewing temperature for this tea is 90℃/194℉, steaming briskly but not quite boiling — but a little higher than normal for some green tea — to retain some of the tea’s complexity.
Cucumber Melon is an ideal choice to surprise your guest with a strikingly refreshing iced tea flavor.
Read also: Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Iced Tea
Hot Brewing Method
- Place 1 teabag into a quart / 1 liter jug (that can withstand boiling water).
- Draw freshly filtered cold water and bring to a boil.
- Pour boiled water over the teabag.
- Steep for 5 to 10 minutes. (Longer steeping time results in stronger tea.)
- Squeeze teabag as you remove it to capture all the flavor.
- Pour contents from 1 quart / 1 liter jug into a serving vessel like the VIVA Ice Tea Carafe and dilute with 3 parts cold water.
- Lightly sweeten to taste (simple syrup is recommended).
- Add ice as required.
- Garnish and serve!
Iced Brewing Method (Pitcher)
- Place 1 iced tea bag into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher.
- Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1 1/4 cups/315ml over the tea.
- Steep for 4 to 7 minutes, longer steeping time results in stronger tea.
- Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water.
- Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea or removing the tea bags.
- Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water.
A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.
(Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about!)
Read also: How to Prepare Iced Tea in the Recharge Pro
